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Manuel not pushing any specific Deadline agenda

Manuel not pushing any specific Deadline agenda

7/8/13: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel talks about John Lannan's stellar pitching and how his lineup make opposing pitchers work

By Todd Zolecki
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MLB.com |

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies' front office met Tuesday to talk about the state of the team and the upcoming July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

In seasons past, manager Charlie Manuel spoke publicly about his desires for the 25-man roster, saying things like, "I just don't want a bat. I want a good bat. I want a difference maker."

But this year, Manuel has not said much of anything.

"Maybe I got tired of coming out," he said. "I'd like to see us improve our team any way we possibly can. Really. That's what I like. Right now, I do understand we need some wins. I see we've got 72 more games to play. I know exactly where we're at. Let's see if we can get into a better position. Let's see if we can win some of these games and get into a better position when we come back and start the second half.

"I don't ever think of selling because I think of winning. That's my job. I come to the ballpark and I want you to be the best you possibly can be. At the same time, I understand everything about what happens. That's part of it. That's the business part of it."

But it is surprising to see Manuel be bit of a wallflower, isn't it?

"Sometimes I guess it's OK to be a wallflower," he said. "You get to see everything."

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.